Central air conditioning system and checking method

ABSTRACT

A controller of a central air conditioning system controls a damper provided for a first target space according to a target temperature. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control of the damper provided for the first target space was started according to the target temperature, the controller determines: an association between the controlled damper and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by a temperature sensor approaches the target temperature in the first target space; and the association between the controlled damper and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not approach the target temperature in the first target space. Then, the controller outputs a result of determination.

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2022/003287, filed on Jan. 28, 2022, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-027172, filed on Feb. 24, 2021, the entire disclosures of which applications are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a central air conditioning system and a checking method.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses a control device of a conventional air conditioner. The control device includes: an open/close unit and room setting means for establishing correspondence between a plurality of damper opening/closing means and a plurality of air conditioning zones; an installation position confirmation control means for opening/closing the damper opening/closing means in a predetermined order for a certain period of time; and a sensor connection determination means for determining connection of temperature adjustment sensors with the plurality of air conditioning zones. This control device provides warning in the event of an abnormality by comparing a result from the sensor connection determination means with a correspondence relationship between the plurality of damper opening/closing means respectively provided for the air conditioning zones and the plurality of air conditioning zones.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.     H4-52445

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In conventional control devices, a construction worker associates the temperature adjustment sensor with the damper opening/closing means after installation, for each of the plurality of air conditioning zones. After performing the association, the construction worker checks whether the association is correctly performed in each of the plurality of air conditioning zones.

A construction worker checks whether an operation is as expected for the number of associations, causing the checking work to take time. In addition, if the operation is not as expected, the construction worker checks how the setting is erroneously performed, which complicates the checking work. Furthermore, the work of checking whether the operation is as expected takes time from start of the operation until a room temperature reaches a target value. Thus, there is a problem that the checking work by a construction worker takes a long time.

In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a central air conditioning system and a checking method, which can prevent the time required for the checking work by a construction worker from being prolonged.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the object, a central air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a temperature sensor provided in each of a plurality of target spaces; a plurality of dampers each of which controls a volume of air flowing into a different one of the plurality of the target spaces; and a controller that controls each of the plurality of dampers, in which the controller: sets a target temperature for a first target space that is one target space among the plurality of target spaces; controls, according to the target temperature, the damper provided for the first target space; determines, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of the damper was started, (1) an association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by the temperature sensor approaches the target temperature in the first target space, and (2) the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not approach the target temperature in the first target space; and outputs a result of the determination.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the object, a checking method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of checking an association between a temperature sensor and a damper by a controller in a central air conditioning system including the temperature sensor, the damper, and the controller. The method includes: setting a target temperature for a first target space that is one of a plurality of target spaces, each of the target spaces being provided with the temperature sensor and the damper; controlling the damper provided for the first target space according to the target temperature; determining, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of the damper was started, (1) an association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by the temperature sensor approaches the target temperature in the first target space, and (2) the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not approach the target temperature in the first target space; and outputting a result of the determination.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A central air conditioning system and the like according to the present disclosure can prevent time required for a checking work by a construction worker from being prolonged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a central air conditioning system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the central air conditioning system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the central air conditioning system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another operation of the central air conditioning system according to Variation 1 of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a still another operation of the central air conditioning system according to Variation 2 of the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. Accordingly, a numerical value, a shape, a material, a structural component, an arrangement position of the structural components, a connection form of the structural components, a step, an order of the steps, and the like are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

Each drawing is a schematic diagram, and thus is not strictly illustrated. Therefore, the scales and the like do not necessarily match up in each drawing, for example. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are allocated to substantially the same configurations, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

A central air conditioning system and a checking method, according to the following embodiments, will be described.

Embodiments <Configuration: Central Air Conditioning System 10>

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing central air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of central air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , central air conditioning system 10 can regulate air in a plurality of target spaces 11 a in facility 1 using air conditioning device 20 and the like.

Here, target space 11 a is a space having a certain size, such as a room, a corridor, a staircase, in facility 1. For example, target space 11 a may not be separated by walls or the like, and a plurality of target spaces 11 a may be defined in a single room. What is to be regulated in air includes a temperature and humidity in target space 11 a, a concentration of carbon dioxide and a concentration of pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) 2.5, contained in the air in target space 11 a, and the like.

Central air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment adjusts a temperature of air taken in from the outside of facility 1 or a temperature of air circulating in facility 1, so that the temperature-adjusted air can be conveyed to each of multiple target spaces 11 a to adjust temperatures (room temperatures) of the air in multiple target spaces 11 a.

Although the number of multiple target spaces 11 a is not particularly limited, the present embodiment will be described by taking multiple target spaces 11 a as an example.

When expanding the functions or facilities of central air conditioning system 10, one or more new devices may be added to and registered with a network of central air conditioning system 10, thereby controlling operations of air conditioning device 20 and the like, including the new devices. The new devices are additional equipment to be assigned to each target space 11 a, and may be, for example, temperature sensor 50, damper 40, and the like. The new devices may include, for example, a ventilation device, an air supply device, and an air purifier.

Hereinafter, specific configuration of central air conditioning system 10 is enumerated.

In the present embodiment, central air conditioning system 10 includes heat exchanger 15, air conditioning device 20, fan 30, a plurality of dampers 40, a plurality of temperature sensors 50, and controller 60. Air conditioning device 20, fan 30, multiple dampers 40, and multiple temperature sensors 50, each have a function of communicating with controller 60.

Heat exchanger 15 absorbs heat from air that is taken in from the outside of facility 1, and heats the air. Heat exchanger 15 conveys the heat-absorbed air or the heated air to air conditioning device 20. Heat exchanger 15 may be a heat pump, a heating coil, a cooling coil, for example. Heat exchanger 15 can also discharge the air inside facility 1 to the outside.

Heat exchanger 15 may be indirectly connected to, for example, air conditioning device 20 via a duct that can convey air, and may be directly connected to air conditioning device 20.

Air conditioning device 20 is provided downstream of heat exchanger 15 in the flow of air. Air that has passed through heat exchanger 15 or air that is circulating in facility 1 flows in air conditioning device 20. Air conditioning device 20 is controlled by controller 60, and takes the air that has been taken in from the outside of facility 1, or the air that is circulating in facility 1, in accordance with the control of controller 60, thereby adjusting a temperature of the taken air. Specifically, air conditioning device 20 includes a cooling coil, a heating coil, a blower, and the like. Air conditioning device 20 conveys, by the blower, the air whose temperature is adjusted via heat exchanger 15, to thereby adjust a temperature of the air in a room. Air conditioning device 20 is a so-called air conditioner.

It should be noted that air conditioning device 20 may have functions such as humidity control and air cleaning, in addition to the function of adjusting room temperatures of target spaces 11 a. If air conditioning device 20 has the humidity control function, the cooling coil and the heating coil of air conditioning device 20 can remove humidity from the air or add humidity to the air. If air conditioning device 20 has the air cleaning function, air conditioning device 20 may have an air filter. The air filter can control a degree of cleanness of the air by removing dust or dirt from the air.

Fan 30 is, for example, a blower. Fan 30 is connected to multiple dampers 40 respectively via a plurality of ducts.

Fan 30 is provided downstream of air conditioning device 20 in the flow of air, and conveys the air, the temperature of which is adjusted by air conditioning device 20. Specifically, under the control of controller 60, fan 30 conveys the air, the temperature of which has been adjusted by air conditioning device 20, to each of multiple dampers 40 through the ducts. One or more fans 30 may be provided in central air conditioning system 10, but may not be provided in central air conditioning system 10.

Further, fan 30 can stop or start conveying air from air conditioning device 20 under the control of controller 60.

Multiple dampers 40 are respectively provided in multiple target spaces 11 a. Specifically, one or more dampers 40 are provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a. One or more dampers 40 respectively provided in multiple target spaces 11 a are provided downstream of fan 30 in the flow of air, and each damper 40 supplies the air, the temperature of which has been adjusted by air conditioning device 20, to target space 11 a where damper 40 itself is provided. Thus, each of multiple dampers 40 can adjust a room temperature of target space 11 a where damper 40 itself is provided by supplying the temperature-adjusted air to target space 11 a where the damper itself is provided.

Each of multiple dampers 40 can adjust a volume of the temperature-adjusted air to be supplied to each of multiple target spaces 11 a, in accordance with the control of controller 60. For example, each of multiple dampers 40 is opened under the control of controller 60 to supply the temperature-adjusted air to target space 11 a, or closed under the control of controller 60 to stop supplying the temperature-adjusted air to target space 11 a.

The air supplied via each of multiple dampers 40 circulates in each of multiple target spaces 11 a and is supplied to air conditioning device 20 via an exhaust duct provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a.

Multiple temperature sensors 50 are respectively provided in multiple target spaces 11 a. Specifically, each of multiple target spaces 11 a is provided with one or more temperature sensors 50. In other words, one or more temperature sensors 50 are provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a. Each of multiple temperature sensors 50 detects a room temperature of each target space 11 a and sends temperature information that indicates the detected temperature to controller 60.

Controller 60 can control multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, and the like separately. It should be noted that controller 60 may control new devices added to the network of central air conditioning system 10.

Furthermore, controller 60 has a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory or the like for storing programs and the like for executing predetermined processing. Furthermore, controller 60 can communicate with multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, and the like, through wired communication or wireless communication.

Controller 60 includes inputter 61, display 62, storage 63, communicator 64, and control unit 65.

Inputter 61 is a user interface that accepts operations by a construction worker. Inputter 61 is embodied by a touch panel, for example, and may include a hardware button in addition to the touch panel.

Display 62 is a monitor mounted in controller 60, and displays a room temperature of each of multiple target spaces 11 a, degrees of opening of multiple dampers 40, an operation state of air conditioning device 20, an operation state of fan 30, and the like. Display 62 can also display a result of determination by control unit 65, which is described later. Display 62 is, for example, a display panel, such as a liquid crystal panel and an organic electro luminescence (EL) panel. Display 62 may constitute a graphical user interface (GUI) together with inputter 61.

Storage 63 is a storage device in which control programs and the like executed by control unit 65 are stored. Storage 63 also stores setting information (described later) in which one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50, which are respectively provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a, are associated with each other. Storage 63 is embodied by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

Communicator 64 is a communication module (communication circuit) for communicating with temperature sensor 50, multiple dampers 40, fan 30, and air conditioning device 20 via a network. Communication performed by communicator 64 is, for example, wireless communication or wired communication. A communication standard used for the communication is not particularly limited.

Control unit 65 transmits control commands to multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, etc., via communicator 64, to thereby control multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, and the like. Specifically, after registering multiple temperature sensors 50, multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, and the like, with the network of central air conditioning system 10, control unit 65 can obtain temperature information from each of multiple temperature sensors 50 via communicator 64. After the registration, control unit 65 transmits control commands to multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, and the like, via communicator 64, to thereby control multiple dampers 40, fan 30, air conditioning device 20, and the like, separately. Control unit 65 is embodied by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be embodied by a processor.

Control unit 65 also controls an opening degree of each damper 40. Taking first target space 11 a 1, which is one of multiple target spaces 11 a, as an example, control unit 65 controls the opening degree of one or more dampers 40 provided in first target space 11 a 1 to adjust a volume of air, the temperature of which has been controlled by air conditioning device 20, to flow into first target space 11 a 1. Accordingly, a room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 can be adjusted. In the present embodiment, when simply referring to target space 11 a, it is used as a generic term including first target space 11 a 1, and the like.

Control unit 65 can also control output of air conditioning device 20, output of fan 30 (the number of revolutions of a fan motor), and the like. For example, control unit 65 controls the output of air conditioning device 20 based on a temperature of each of multiple target spaces 11 a, which is detected by each temperature sensor 50, to thereby adjust a temperature of air discharged from air conditioning device 20. Further, control unit 65 controls the number of revolutions of fan 30 based on the temperature of each of multiple target spaces 11 a, which is detected by each temperature sensor 50, to thereby adjust a volume of air to be conveyed, the temperature of which is controlled by air conditioning device 20.

From these, when the room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 is intended to be raised, for example, control unit 65 increases the opening degree of damper 40, increases the number of revolutions of fan 30, and increases output of warm air from air conditioning device 20. As a result, the warm air is supplied to first target space 11 a 1, so that the room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 can be raised. Further, when the room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 is intended to be lowered, for example, control unit 65 increases the opening degree of damper 40, increases the number of revolutions of fan 30, and increases output of cold air from air conditioning device 20. Accordingly, the cold air is supplied to first target space 11 a 1, to thereby lower the room temperature of first target space 11 a 1.

In such central air conditioning system 10, a construction worker installs heat exchanger 15, air conditioning device 20, fan 30, a plurality of dampers 40, a plurality of temperature sensors 50, and control unit 65 in facility 1, and then performs association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50 respectively provided in each of target spaces 11 a. After completion of the association, the construction worker checks whether the association is correctly completed. Thus, control unit 65 accepts an operation from the construction worker during a checking work of the association, to thereby execute the following processing.

Control unit 65 can set a target temperature of first target space 11 a 1 that is one of a plurality of target spaces 11 a. Accordingly, control unit 65 controls at least one damper 40 so that the set target temperature is achieved. In other words, control unit 65 controls one or more dampers 40 that are provided for first target space 11 a 1 according to the target temperature. In the present embodiment, control unit 65 simultaneously controls multiple dampers 40 provided in first target spaces 11 a 1, fan 30, and air conditioning device 20.

Further, control unit 65 determines whether the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected a changed temperature is correct for each of target spaces 11 a. Control unit 65 determines, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of damper 40 provided for first target space 11 a 1 was started according to the target temperature, (1) the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is correct when the changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 approaches the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1, and (2) the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 does not approach the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1.

In other words, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of damper 40 provided for first target space 11 a 1 was started according to the target temperature, control unit 65 determines whether the changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 approaches the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1.

Specifically, as described in (1) above, when the changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 is closer to the target temperature at a temperature at this time point included in the predetermined period than a temperature at the start point of the predetermined period, control unit 65 determines that the changed temperature approaches the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1. The changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 may be indicated by a first difference value that is a difference value between a temperature at the start point of the predetermined period and the target temperature, and as a second difference value that is a difference value between a temperature at the end point of the predetermined period of time and the target temperature. In such a situation, when the first difference value is greater than the second difference value and a difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, controller 60 determines that the changed temperature approaches the target temperature. Then, control unit 65 determines that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is correct. Here, the difference value is an absolute value. In addition, the first difference value, the second difference value, and the difference are also absolute values.

Further, as described in (2) above, when the first difference value is greater than the second difference value and the difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is less than the predetermined value, controller 60 determines that the changed temperature does not approach the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1. Then, control unit 65 determines that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is incorrect.

Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination to storage 63, display 62, and the like. As a result, it is displayed on display 62 and stored in storage 63 that controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature are incorrectly associated.

Here, the predetermined period is an any period set in advance. Further, the difference between the start point and the end point of the predetermined period is, for example, an average value from the start point to the end point, a slope of a straight line connecting the start point and the end point, or a simple difference between the start point and the end point.

<Operation>

Next, operations of central air conditioning system 10 and a checking method will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing operations of central air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 3 , a construction worker installs heat exchanger 15, air conditioning device 20, fan 30, a plurality of dampers 40, a plurality of temperature sensors 50, and control unit 65 in facility 1, and then associates one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50, respectively provided in each of target spaces 11 a. For example, the construction worker uses a dedicated terminal device or a terminal device in which an application for executing the association work is installed, for associating one or more dampers 40 with one or more temperature sensors 50, which are provided in each of a plurality of target spaces 11 a. Control unit 65 creates setting information in which one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50, in each of multiple target spaces 11 a, are associated, and stores the created setting information in storage 63. The terminal device here may be controller 60 or a terminal device different from controller 60.

In the present embodiment, a construction worker operates inputter 61 using controller 60, so as to activate an application for checking the association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50, which are provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a. After activating the application, the construction worker uses controller 60 to check the association. This checking work is performed for each of target spaces 11 a. In the present embodiment, the checking work is performed in the order from first target space 11 a 1 to n-th target space 11 an. In this flowchart, for convenience of explanation, “one or more dampers 40” and “one or more temperature sensors 50” are simply referred to as “damper(s) 40” and “temperature sensor(s) 50”, respectively. n is a natural number of one or more.

Specifically, when a construction worker inputs a target temperature to inputter 61, control unit 65 of controller 60 sets the target temperature of first target space 11 a 1 (Step S11), and controls at least damper 40 so that a temperature becomes the set target temperature (Step S12). Control unit 65 controls damper 40 associated with first target space 11 a 1 based on the setting information stored in storage 63 so that a room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 achieves the target temperature, to thereby open dampers 40. At this time, control unit 65 simultaneously controls fan 30 and air conditioning device 20. Damper 40 associated with a target space other than first target space 11 a 1 is controlled, to thereby close dampers 40.

Subsequently, each of multiple temperature sensors 50 detects a temperature of target space 11 a, i.e., a room temperature of target space 11 a, in which temperature sensor 50 is provided (Step S13). Each of multiple temperature sensors 50 transmits temperature information indicating the detected temperature, to controller 60 at predetermined time intervals.

Control unit 65 of controller 60 acquires the temperature information of each of multiple target spaces 11 a via communicator 64. In first target space 11 a 1 that is one target space among multiple target spaces 11 a, control unit 65 determines whether the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is correct. Specifically, based on the setting information, control unit 65 extracts temperature sensor 50 (it may be referred to as first temperature sensor 50) and damper 40 (it may be referred to as a first damper), which are associated with first target space 11 a 1. Control unit 65 controls the opening degree of the first damper so as to achieve the target temperature, using a temperature indicated by the temperature information acquired from the extracted first temperature sensor. In the present embodiment, when simply referring to damper 40, it is used as a general term including the first damper and the like. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when simply referring to temperature sensors 50, it is used as a general term including the first temperature sensor and the like.

Control unit 65 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since control of the opening degree of the first damper was started (Step S14).

If determining that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the control of the opening degree of the first damper was started (NO in Step S14), control unit 65 causes processing to return to Step S14.

If control unit 65 determines that the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of the opening degree of the first damper was started (YES in Step S14), control unit 65 determines whether the changed temperature indicated by the temperature information acquired from the first temperature sensor approaches the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1 (Step S15).

The changed temperature detected by the first temperature sensor may be indicated by a first difference value that is a difference value between a temperature at the start point of the predetermined period of time and the target temperature, and as a second difference value that is a difference value between a temperature at the end point of the predetermined period of time and the target temperature. In such a situation, when the first difference value is greater than the second difference value and the difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, controller 60 determines that a room temperature of first space 11 a 1 approaches the target temperature (YES in Step S15). Then, control unit 65 determines that the association between the first damper controlled in Step S12 and the first temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature in Step S13 is correct (Step S16).

Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination of Step S16 to storage 63, display 62, and the like. In other words, control unit 65 outputs, to storage 63, display 62, etc., a result indicating that the first damper and the first temperature sensor, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, are correctly associated. Storage 63 stores the result that the first damper and the first temperature sensor, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, are correctly associated. In addition, display 62 displays the result that the first damper and the first temperature sensor, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, are correctly associated (Step S17). Then, central air conditioning system 10 terminates the processing.

Further, when the first difference value is greater than the second difference value and the difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is less than the predetermined value, controller 60 determines that the room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 does not approach the target temperature (NO in Step S15). Thus, control unit 65 determines that the association between the first damper controlled in Step S12 and the first temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature in step S13, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, is incorrect (i.e., the association between the first damper and the first temperature sensor is not completed) (Step S18).

Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination in Step S18, to storage 63, display 62, and the like. In other words, control unit 65 outputs, to storage 63, display 62, etc., a result indicating that the association between the first damper and the first temperature sensor, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, is incorrect. Storage 63 stores the result that the association between the first damper and the first temperature sensor, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, is incorrect. In addition, display 62 displays the result that the association between the first damper and the first temperature sensor, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, is incorrect (Step S17). Then, central air conditioning system 10 terminates the processing.

There are a plurality of target spaces 11 a. Accordingly, the above-described operation is executed for each target space 11 a, thereby determining whether each association between damper 40 and temperature sensor 50, which are provided every target space 11 a, is correct.

With this configuration, a construction worker can view the result of the determination displayed on display 62, and can recognize whether the association between damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 in each target spaces 11 a is correct.

<Effects>

Effects of central air conditioning system 10 and a checking method, according to the present embodiment, will be described.

As described above, central air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment includes temperature sensor 50 provided in each of a plurality of target spaces 11 a, damper 40 that controls a volume of air flowing into each target space 11 a, and controller 60 that controls each damper 40. Controller 60 sets a target temperature for first target space 11 a 1 that is one target space of multiple target spaces 11 a, and controls damper 40 provided for first target space 11 a 1 according to the target temperature. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of damper 40 provided for first target space 11 a 1 was started according to the target temperature, controller 60 determines (1) an association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 approaches the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1, and (2) the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 does not approach the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1. Then, controller 60 outputs a result of determination.

With this configuration, controller 60 can automatically determine whether one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50 in each of multiple target spaces 11 a are correctly associated. Accordingly, a construction worker is less likely to be forced to take a long time for checking whether one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50 are correctly associated.

Therefore, in central air conditioning system 10, time required for the checking work by a construction worker can be prevented from being prolonged.

In particular, in central air conditioning system 10, when the association is incorrect, a construction worker can browse and check a result of the determination outputted by controller 60. Accordingly, the construction worker can easily check how the association was erroneously performed. Further, it is possible to prevent the checking of the association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50 from requiring a long time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible, at least, to easily check the association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50.

The checking method according to the present embodiment is a method of checking association between temperature sensor 50 and damper 40 by controller 60, in central air conditioning system 10 including temperature sensor 50, damper 40, and controller 60. In the method, controller 60 sets a target temperature for first target space 11 a 1, which is one target space of a plurality of target spaces 11 a, each of target spaces 11 a being provided with temperature sensor 50 and damper 40. Controller 60 controls damper 40 provided for first target space 11 a 1 according to the target temperature. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of damper 40 provided for first target space 11 a 1 was started according to the target temperature, controller 60 determines (1) an association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 approaches the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1, and (2) the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 does not approach the target temperature in first target space 11 a 1. Then, controller 60 outputs a result of determination.

According to this checking method, effects same as those described above can be obtained.

In central air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment, the changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 may be indicated by a first difference value that is a difference value between the target temperature and a temperature at a start point of the predetermined period of time, and by a second difference value that is a difference value between the target temperature and a temperature at an end point of the predetermined period of time. In such a situation, when the first difference value is greater than the second difference value and a difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, controller 60 determines that the changed temperature approaches the target temperature.

According to the configuration, it is possible to determine whether the target temperature is approached. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the association is correct, based on the difference.

Further, in central air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment, controller 60 determines whether the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 that has detected the changed temperature is correct for each of target spaces 11 a.

According to the configuration, it is possible to perform determination as to the association between dampers 40 and temperature sensors 50 in all target spaces 11 a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the checking of the association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50 in facility 1 from requiring a long time, for example.

Further, in central air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment, controller 60 includes display 62 that displays the result of the determination made by controller 60.

According to the configuration, the result of the determination is displayed, and thus a construction worker can recognize, for example, that the association is incorrect, the association is correct, or capability of damper 40 is insufficient. Therefore, the construction worker can easily recognize whether the association is correct, so as to easily complete the checking work.

(Variation 1 of the Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a basic configuration of central air conditioning system 10 in the present variation of the embodiment is the same as a basic configuration of central air conditioning system 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 . Accordingly, the same reference numerals are allocated to the basic configuration of central air conditioning system 10 in the present variation of the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. In the present variation of the embodiment is different from the embodiment in that second target space 11 a 2 having a room temperature that approaches the target temperature is extracted. In the present variation of the embodiment, when simply referring to target space 11 a, it is used as a general term including first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2 to n-th target space 11 an.

In the checking work, control unit 65 may determine that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected a changed temperature is incorrect. In such a situation, when the changed temperature of second target space 11 a 2, which is a space different from first target space 11 a 1 among multiple target spaces 11 a, approaches the target temperature of first target space 11 a 1, control unit 65 determines that controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2 are associated.

In other words, if determining that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is incorrect, control unit 65 determines whether there is a change in a room temperature of target space 11 a other than first target space 11 a 1 among multiple target spaces 11 a, based on the changed temperature detected by temperature sensor 50 provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a. If there is another target space 11 a with change in a room temperature, control unit 65 extracts one or more other target spaces 11 a with changes in room temperatures.

Based on the changed temperatures detected by temperature sensors 50, control unit 65 determines whether there is second target space 11 a 1 having a room temperature that approaches the target temperature set for first target space 11 a 1 among the one or more extracted other target spaces 11 a. If determining that there is second target space 11 a 2 having a room temperature that approaches the target temperature set for first target space 11 a 1, control unit 65 determines that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature is incorrect, in each of first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2. Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination to storage 63, display 62, and the like. As a result, it is displayed on display 62 and stored in storage 63 that the associations between dampers 40 and temperature sensors 50 in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2 are incorrect.

Next, operations of central air conditioning system 10 and a checking method will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . It should be noted that operations in the present variation of the embodiment are the same as operations of the embodiment, so that the same operation is denoted by the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another operation of central air conditioning system 10 according to Variation 1 of the embodiment.

After construction, a construction worker carries out a work of checking association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50, which are provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a. In this flowchart, for convenience of explanation, “one or more dampers 40” and “one or more temperature sensors 50” are simply referred to as “damper(s) 40” and “temperature sensor(s) 50”, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4 , control unit 65 of controller 60 performs the processing of Steps S11 to S15, and then controller 60 determines, when a first difference value is greater than a second difference value and a difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is less than a predetermined value, that a room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 does not approach the target temperature (NO in Step S15). Thus, control unit 65 determines that the association between the first damper that is provided in first target space 11 a 1 and has been controlled in the processing of Step S12 and the first temperature sensor that is provided in first target space 11 a 1 and has detected the temperature change in processing of Step S13 is incorrect (Step S18).

Temperature sensors 50 detect temperatures of all target spaces 11 a (Step S19). Each of multiple temperature sensors 50 transmits temperature information indicating the detected temperature, to controller 60.

Control unit 65 of controller 60 acquires the temperature information of every one of multiple target spaces 11 a via communicator 64. Control unit 65 extracts second target space 11 a 2 that is a target space with a changed temperature that approaches the target temperature, from all target spaces 11 a. Control unit 65 extracts temperature sensor 50 (it may be referred to as a second temperature sensor) and damper 40 (it may be referred to as a second damper), which are provided in second target space 11 a 2, based on the setting information.

Control unit 65 determines that controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperatures, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2, are associated with each other. In other words, control unit 65 determines that damper 40 and temperature sensor 50, which are provided in first target space 11 a 1, and damper 40 and temperature sensor 50, which are provided in second target space 11 a 2, are associated (Step S20). Specifically, the first damper and the first temperature sensor in first target space 11 a 1 and the second damper and the second temperature sensor in second target space 11 a 2 are alternately associated.

Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination in Step S18, to storage 63, display 62, and the like. In other words, control unit 65 outputs, to storage 63, display 62, etc., a result indicating that association between dampers 40 and temperature sensors 50, which are respectively provided in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2, is incorrect. Storage 63 stores the result that the association between dampers 40 and temperature sensors 50, which are respectively provided in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2, is incorrect. In addition, display 62 displays the result that the association between dampers 40 and temperature sensors 50, which are respectively provided in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2, is incorrect (Step S17). Then, central air conditioning system 10 terminates the processing.

In central air conditioning system 10 according to the present variation of the embodiment, controller 60 may determine that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected a changed temperature is incorrect. In such a situation, when the changed temperature of second target space 11 a 2 that is a space different from first target space 11 a 1 among multiple target spaces 11 a, approaches the target temperature of first target space 11 a 1, controller 60 determines that controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected the changed temperature, in first target space 11 a 1 and second target space 11 a 2, are associated. Then, controller 60 outputs a result of the determination.

According to the configuration, when temperature sensor 50 and damper 40 is controlled, and it is detected that a room temperature of second target space 11 a 2 that is a different target space 11 a from first target space 11 a 1, approaches the target temperature, it can be determined that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50, which are provided in first target space 11 a, is incorrect. A construction worker can recognize that the association is incorrect due to output of the result of the determination.

(Variation 2 of the Embodiment)

In the below description, a basic configuration of central air conditioning system 10 in the present variation of the embodiment is the same as a basic configuration of central air conditioning system 10 of the embodiment. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are allocated to the basic configuration of central air conditioning system 10 in the variation of the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. The present variation of the embodiment is different from the embodiment in that insufficiency of damper 40 is determined.

In the checking work, control unit 65 may determine that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected a changed temperature is correct. In such a situation, if the target temperature is not achieved after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, control unit 65 determines that a capability of damper 40 is insufficient. Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination to storage 63, display 62, and the like. With this configuration, it is displayed on display 62 and stored in storage 63 that the capability of damper 40 in the first target space is insufficient.

Next, operations of central air conditioning system 10 and a checking method will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . It should be noted that operations in the present variation of the embodiment are the same as operations of the embodiment, so that the same operation is denoted by the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a still another operation of central air conditioning system 10 according to Variation 2 of the embodiment.

After construction, a construction worker carries out an operation of checking association between one or more dampers 40 and one or more temperature sensors 50, which are provided in each of multiple target spaces 11 a. In this flowchart, for convenience of explanation, “one or more dampers 40” and “one or more temperature sensors 50” are simply referred to as “damper(s) 40” and “temperature sensor(s) 50”.

As shown in FIG. 5 , control unit 65 of controller 60 performs the processing of Steps S11 to S16, and then determines that the target temperature is achieved after a predetermined period of time (Step S21).

When determining that a room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 achieves the target temperature after the predetermined period of time (YES in Step S21), control unit 65 allows the processing to progress to Step S17, and outputs a result of the determination obtained in Step S16 to storage 63, display 62, and the like. Then, after completion of the processing in Step S17, central air conditioning system 10 terminates the processing.

Further, when determining that the room temperature of first target space 11 a 1 does not achieve the target temperature after the predetermined period of time has elapsed (NO in Step S21), control unit 65 determines that a capability of damper 40 provided in first target space 11 a 1 is insufficient (Step S22).

Control unit 65 outputs a result of the determination in Step S22 to storage 63, display 62, and the like. In other words, control unit 65 outputs, to storage 63, display 62, etc., a result indicating that the capability of damper 40 provided in first target space 11 a 1 is insufficient. Storage 63 stores the result that the capability of damper 40 provided in first target space 11 a 1 is insufficient. Display 62 displays the result that the capability of damper 40 provided in first target space 11 a 1 is insufficient (Step S17). Then, central air conditioning system 10 terminates the processing.

In FIG. 5 , processing in Steps S19 and S20 for central air conditioning system 10 and the checking method may be omitted, and is not essential processing in the operations of central air conditioning system 10 and the checking method.

In central air conditioning system 10 according to the present variation of the embodiment, controller 60 may determine that the association between controlled damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 having detected a changed temperature is correct. In such a situation, if the target temperature is not achieved after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, controller 60 determines that the capability of damper 40 is insufficient. Then, controller 60 outputs a result of the determination.

According to the operation, if the target temperature is not achieved within a predetermined period of time, it can be determined that the capability of damper 40 is insufficient even with the association between damper 40 and temperature sensor 50 in first target space 11 a 1 being correct. Therefore, a construction worker can recognize that the capability of camper 40 is insufficient due to the output of the result of the determination.

<Other Variations>

Although the present disclosure is described as above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the central air conditioning system and checking method according to the present embodiment, a controller may be connected to the Internet via wireless communication or wired communication, and may be able to communicate with a server. In this case, the setting information stored in a storage may be stored in the server.

Further, an air quality sensor may be used in the central air conditioning system and checking method according to the present embodiment. The air quality sensor may be, for example, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, a particulate concentration sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like. In this case, the carbon dioxide concentration sensor may detect the carbon dioxide concentration in a target space as air quality, and transmit a sensor value of the carbon dioxide concentration to a controller. The particle concentration sensor may detect a particle concentration of particulate substances (hereinafter also simply referred to as particles), such as PM2.5, and transmit a sensor value of the particle concentration to the controller. The humidity sensor may detect humidity in the target space as the air quality, and transmit a sensor value of the humidity to the controller. The sensor values are a carbon dioxide concentration, a humidity, a temperature, and a particle concentration in each of a plurality of target spaces.

In addition, in the central air conditioning system and checking method according to the present embodiment, a result of the determination of the controller may simply be notified to the surroundings by means of sound, light, or the like. In other words, the central air conditioning system may include a notification unit. The controller may output the result of the determination not only to a storage and a display but also to the notification unit.

Further, each processor included in the central air conditioning system, checking method, and the like, in the present embodiment is typically embodied as a large scale integration (LSI), which is an integrated circuit. These may be made into a single chip individually, or may be made into a single chip so as to include a part or all of the processors.

Further, the circuit integration is not limited to LSIs, and may be embodied by dedicated circuits or general purpose processors. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used.

In the above-described embodiments, each component may be embodied by being configured by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be embodied by a program executor including CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a storage medium, such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

In addition, the numbers used above are all examples for specifically describing the present disclosure, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplified numbers.

Also, the division of functional blocks in block diagrams is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may be embodied as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into a plurality of functional blocks, and some functions may be moved to another functional block. Furthermore, single hardware or software may perform processing of functions of the plurality of functional blocks having similar functions in parallel or in a time-sharing manner.

In addition, the order of execution of the steps in the flowchart is for illustrative purposes in order to specifically describe the present disclosure, and orders other than the above order may be used. Also, some of the above steps may be executed concurrently (in parallel) with other steps.

In addition, the present disclosure involves an embodiment obtained by applying various modification conceivable by a person skilled in the art to each of the embodiments, or an embodiment embodied by combining components and functions in the above embodiments, within a scope without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. 

1. A central air conditioning system comprising: a temperature sensor provided in each of a plurality of target spaces; a plurality of dampers each of which controls a volume of air flowing into a different one of the plurality of the target spaces; and a controller that controls each of the plurality of dampers, wherein the controller: sets a target temperature for a first target space that is one target space among the plurality of target spaces; controls, according to the target temperature, the damper provided for the first target space; determines, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of the damper was started, (1) an association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by the temperature sensor approaches the target temperature in the first target space, and (2) the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not approach the target temperature in the first target space; and outputs a result of the determination.
 2. The central air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the controller determines that the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect, and a changed temperature of a second target space different from the first target space among the target spaces approaches the target temperature of the first target space, the controller determines that the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature are associated, the damper being provided for each of the first target space and the second target space, and the temperature sensor being provided for each of the first target space and the second target space.
 3. The central air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the controller determines that the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct, and the target temperature is not achieved after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller determines that a capability of the damper is insufficient.
 4. The central air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when (i) the changed temperature detected by the temperature sensor is indicated by a first difference value that is a difference value between the target temperature and a temperature at a start point of the predetermined period of time, and by a second difference value that is a difference value between the target temperature and a temperature at an end point of the predetermined period of time, and (ii) the first difference value is greater than the second difference value and a difference between the first difference value and the second difference value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller determines that the changed temperature approaches the target temperature.
 5. The central air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct for each of the plurality of target spaces.
 6. The central air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the controller includes a display that displays the result of the determination made by the controller.
 7. A method of checking an association between a temperature sensor and a damper by a controller in a central air conditioning system including the temperature sensor, the damper, and the controller, the method comprising: setting a target temperature for a first target space that is one of a plurality of target spaces, each of the target spaces being provided with the temperature sensor and the damper; controlling the damper provided for the first target space according to the target temperature; after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the control of the damper was started, (1) determining an association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is correct when a changed temperature detected by the temperature sensor approaches the target temperature in the first target space, and (2) determining the association between the damper controlled and the temperature sensor that has detected the changed temperature is incorrect when a temperature detected by the temperature sensor does not approach the target temperature in the first target space; and outputting a result of the determination. 